The Tim Ferriss Show
#800: Ev Williams — The Art of Pivoting (e.g., Odeo to Twitter), Strategic Quitting, The Dangers of Premature Scaling, Must-Read Books, and More
Mar 19, 2025
Ev Williams, co-founder of Blogger, Medium, and Twitter, shares insights from his latest venture, Mosey, a social network for in-person connections. He reflects on the challenges of scaling Medium, emphasizing the need to avoid premature expansion. The conversation dives into the nostalgic beginnings of Twitter and the evolution of digital communication. Williams also discusses strategic quitting, the importance of human skills in an AI-driven world, and personal growth through self-discovery. His journey reveals what it takes to pivot and innovate in tech.
01:03:37
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Quick takeaways
- Ev Williams emphasizes the importance of authentic in-person connections through his latest venture, Mosey, contrasting it with conventional social media.
- He highlights the concept of strategic quitting, showcasing how pivoting from the failed Odeo to Twitter illustrates the value of redirecting focus.
Deep dives
Ev Williams: A Journey Through Innovation
Ev Williams has significantly influenced the modern internet landscape through the various companies he co-founded, including Blogger and Twitter. His latest venture, Mosey, aims to reconnect people by facilitating in-person meetups, emphasizing the importance of real-life relationships over digital interaction. Growing up in a small Nebraska town, Williams found himself drawn to the internet as a means of forming connections that weren't available in his physical environment. His evolution in thinking about social media suggests a shift from mere information sharing to prioritizing genuine relationships.
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